(2016) Mac Mini + iPP 9,7" + iPP 12"

I currently have a 2012 Retina MacBook Pro 15 which is always in clamshell on my desk + a 12" iPP

I've decided to sell the RMBP, but I now have to decide what to go for next.

Small back story: I live and study in Brussels 10 months in the year, 2 months I stay with my parents in Switzerland and travel.

I would ideally just get rid of my MacBook, but I realise for stuff like my music library, a Mac is basically essential (iCloud music library is active, but I worry if I loose the MacBook it'll just delete my files).

The 12" iPP is a dream for me, and I just bought the keyboard today. But sometimes for portability, I'd like to have the 9,7 available to travel (lightness etc)

So the big decision!

Do I go and buy a 2016 rMB to go stick in a dock with lots of adopters, but then be able to take with me for 2 months. This would be the top-range 1,3

Or

Do I get a Mac Mini (after WWDC)(already have screen and keyboard and mouse), and lots of cables I can hide in the desk. And then buy a 9,7 iPP with left-overs. Then just try to work around 2 months a year on iOS only.

Cost wise, I purchase in Switzerland so it's basically the same give or take 100$

What do I use the Mac for:
Torrents (can this be done on iPad?)
Occasional iMovie (iPad can do this)
Managing PDFs
Occasional printing to PDF (iPad?)
Music Library (some non-Apple music stuff, or what's left after Apple Music obliterated half of my library!).

What do you guys think? First world problems I know, but considering this would be for the next 2 years, I find it a big choice to decide between a laptop or desktop/iPad combo.

It's become my opinion through much hands on experience that an iPad Pro can replace a laptop but not a computer in general FOR ME. All laptops are computers but all computers are not laptops. For people with very basic usage (MAINLY web browsing, emails, word documents and reading) an iPP can completely replace a main computing device. My advice would be to have a laptop or a desktop at home for those tasks you may have that can't be completed on an iPad. IPads are portable. So are laptops, so they often get the closest comparison. However, I see nothing wrong with keeping a laptop and not a desktop or a desktop and not a laptop. I sold my MacBook when I bought my 12.9. However, I plan to purchase a nice used iMac for those 5% of tasks that can't be done or are too much effort to complete on my iPP.

It's become my opinion through much hands on experience that an iPad Pro can replace a laptop but not a computer in general FOR ME. All laptops are computers but all computers are not laptops. For people with very basic usage (MAINLY web browsing, emails, word documents and reading) an iPP can completely replace a main computing device. My advice would be to have a laptop or a desktop at home for those tasks you may have that can't be completed on an iPad. IPads are portable. So are laptops, so they often get the closest comparison. However, I see nothing wrong with keeping a laptop and not a desktop or a desktop and not a laptop. I sold my MacBook when I bought my 12.9. However, I plan to purchase a nice used iMac for those 5% of tasks that can't be done or are too much effort to complete on my iPP.

Click to expand...

I agree, using the iPad now for 2 hours with the keyboard has really opened up new possibilities, just need to get used to typing on it. I plan to purchase a Mac Mini for my desktop, allowing me to hide it all in my desk (0 cables - cable management heaven )

And why again does the computer need selling? What function that you need right now does the Macbook Pro not serve? What do the new computer purchases bring to the table for you?

Click to expand...

\

I want to sell now because I can get a good price for it. Plus I find it too big to lug around with me. At the moment I have the laptop with 3 external drives plugged in, but all visible because I can't fit the laptop in my desk. If I bought the rMB I would get a dock type thing so I'd only see one cable, but with the Mini I can hide it in the desk completely.

Either way I will wait to see what the new Mac minis will be like (2/3 years without update....definitely time for a refresh or price drop. The Mac is only used for media storage and occasional website editing and stuff which requires Java (hmmm)

And Thirdly....I was in the Apple Store today and used the 9,7 iPP and loved it, but I can't bring myself to sell my 12....

Hm, difficult for me, sounds like your only motivation is looks and convenience. It's a perfectly working computer and apart from a bit of weight there is nothing wrong with it. On the plus side is a bigger display and useful ports. I would use the computer until it breaks. Being able to hide a computer in a desk is not a requirement that works for me.

Hm, difficult for me, sounds like your only motivation is looks and convenience. It's a perfectly working computer and apart from a bit of weight there is nothing wrong with it. On the plus side is a bigger display and useful ports. I would use the computer until it breaks. Being able to hide a computer in a desk is not a requirement that works for me.

Click to expand...

You make for a compelling argument, Either way, the sale and purchase would only be a $200 investment MAX, luckily my current machine still has a lot of value! Would that change things for you?

Sounds like an OK deal. Just keep in mind the Macbook won't hold the same value as the MBP. It is a cheaper computer to start with and in a couple years time you might not get much for it. Have you checked one out locally and made sure the keyboard is bearable for you? I really like the MBP keyboard and have dragged MBPs all over the globe. Good luck with the decision anyway!

The Mac Mini nor MacBook are going to feel 'snappier' than your rMBP -- If I were in your shoes, I would do what the other posters suggest, and keep your rMBP '12 because the hassle etc of selling and buying. However...

If you were to start fresh, it seems like a Mac Mini with 3 TB Fusion would be an awesome configuration for your desk/home, and iPads for travel. How much storage do you currently use (all external drives included)? Be sure to buy an SSD or Fusion mini.

One thing I don't clearly understand - Are you really planning to do Torrents while traveling? If so, then the rMB comes back into the equation... But that's hard for me to imagine you doing. You can always remote back into your home Mac Mini and run the torrents that way (from an iPad or whatever).

I'm a MacBook user, and love it -- 512 SSD is perfect for me, and the work I do on it is best for MY workflow. Your applications listed (sans Torrent), seem to be best served on an iPad Pro.

Ultimately, the best value decision you can make is 1) stick with what you got, and maybe buy another iPad (seems like you just want the 9.7" and trying to justify it). The alternative I like would be to go mac mini with fusion drive that is stationary to remote in to during your travels... the tradeoff, it'll feel slower most likely, but you won't have external products connected.

I understand the want you have, please understand that it's not the most 'value focused' process, and what you really get out of selling the rMBP is excuse to buy an IPP 9.7" --> and you are welcome to make that decision! We're just trying to give you objective feedback. You'll enjoy a new IPP, so role with it if your bills are paid.

I don't really see the point in selling your MacBook Pro and getting a Mac mini, when the MacBook Pro is basically used like a Mac mini. If you're going to sell it and your options are either a Mac mini and both size iPad Pro's or a MacBook and the 12.9" iPad Pro, I'd say go for the latter. At least you could take the MacBook with you when you visit your parents.

I currently have a 2012 Retina MacBook Pro 15 which is always in clamshell on my desk + a 12" iPP

I've decided to sell the RMBP, but I now have to decide what to go for next.

Small back story: I live and study in Brussels 10 months in the year, 2 months I stay with my parents in Switzerland and travel.

I would ideally just get rid of my MacBook, but I realise for stuff like my music library, a Mac is basically essential (iCloud music library is active, but I worry if I loose the MacBook it'll just delete my files).

The 12" iPP is a dream for me, and I just bought the keyboard today. But sometimes for portability, I'd like to have the 9,7 available to travel (lightness etc)

So the big decision!

Do I go and buy a 2016 rMB to go stick in a dock with lots of adopters, but then be able to take with me for 2 months. This would be the top-range 1,3

Or

Do I get a Mac Mini (after WWDC)(already have screen and keyboard and mouse), and lots of cables I can hide in the desk. And then buy a 9,7 iPP with left-overs. Then just try to work around 2 months a year on iOS only.

Cost wise, I purchase in Switzerland so it's basically the same give or take 100$

What do I use the Mac for:
Torrents (can this be done on iPad?)
Occasional iMovie (iPad can do this)
Managing PDFs
Occasional printing to PDF (iPad?)
Music Library (some non-Apple music stuff, or what's left after Apple Music obliterated half of my library!).

What do you guys think? First world problems I know, but considering this would be for the next 2 years, I find it a big choice to decide between a laptop or desktop/iPad combo.

Feel free to select a poll or offer comments and tips.

Click to expand...

Obviously it depends upon a variety of things, but I'd recommend a desktop-based Mac... iMac or Mac Mini and a 12.9 iPP *IF* you can have network accessibility to remote desktop into your home-based Mac for those 2 months.

With the right remote desktop software and mouse, the 12.9 iPP can mimic a notebook (with some obvious limitations).

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.